President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receiving cheque from Speaker House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu to support the president Tinubu philanthropic works for the vulnerable during the President break of Ramadan fasting with member house of representatives at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Monday.
House Of Reps Donates ₦705m To Tinubu as aid for vulnerable Nigerians (Photos)
FCT: Wike Revokes 4794 Land Titles over non-payment of ground rent for 40 yrs
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved revocation of 4,794 land titles, over non-payment of Ground Rent, for more than 40 years.
In the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape, a total of 8,375 property owners have not paid Ground Rent in the last 43 years.
This was made known in a press briefing by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.
“It should be noted that the FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents. All these yielded little response, as several allottees failed to pay.
“It is important to state that payment of Ground Rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation. It is stipulated in the terms and conditions of the grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand.
“Consequently, a list of land titles in default of payment of Ground Rent has been compiled in the ten oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City (FCC). They are; Central Area District (Cadastral Zone A00), Garki I (Cadastral Zone A01), Wuse I (Cadastral Zone A02), Garki II (Cadastral Zone A03), Asokoro (Cadastral Zone A04), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A05), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A06), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A07), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A08) and Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09).
“As at the end of 2024 and up till today, a total of N6,967,980,119 is owed as Ground Rent by 8,375 property owners. In other words, a total of 8,375 property owners have not paid Ground Rent up to last year, 2024.
“A total of 4,794 land titles are in default of Ground rent payment for 10 years and above. This means that in the listed districts, 4,794 property owners have not paid Ground Rent in the last 10 years.
“This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of the grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
“Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith.
“A grace of 21 Days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected titles will be revoked.”
HOSTCON Youth Council Of Nigeria Hail Soneye’s Performance As Chief Spokesman Of NNPCL
Youths from the Host Communities of Niger Delta States have commended the the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Oladapo Olufemi Soneye over move to engage youths with a talent haunt to boost protection of the nation’s oil and gas infrastructures across the country.
According to the Niger Delta Youths under the aegis of the Host Communities of Producing Oil Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria, HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, the decision engage youths in a talent haunt will give the youths a sense of belonging and commitment to the issues affecting the oil and gas sector.
The HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA,in a statement issued on Monday and made available to newsmen via electronic mail, stated that since the appointment of Oladapo Olufemi Soneye, as the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, confidence of Nigerians and that of investors in the NNPCL have been restored, which we have also keenly watched the influx of major investors, like the $5 billion Bonga North Deep Offshore Field on the Final Investment Decision (FID) by Shell and its partners.
The President of HOSTCON YOUTH Council of Nigeria, COMRADE EMMANUEL FIAWEI PATHFINDER, in the Statement said, ” This and many others, have led to massive investment, which President Bola Tinubu, as described as a transformative milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector.”
“Indeed, your professionalism and experience in the field of journalism for properly communicating with Nigerians addressing the issues of NNPCL is doing has made Nigerians and investors to repose confidence the easy of doing business with the Company to be reckoned with in the comity of nations, especially in OPEC, where the entire world is endeared to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
“We have also noted that the NNPCL has put smile on the faces of Nigerians recently by reducing the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, from N945 per litre to N860 per litre has made Nigerians to heavily rely on NNPCL for PMS and other products, therefore, this has made industry stakeholders, including oil marketers and trade associations to express hope that increased local production from the Port Harcourt will positively impact on the economy.”
“We also noted that this is the second pump price cut between February and March, which would bring about huge economic relief to Nigerians ahead of the Ramadan and Easter seasons. This is despite the bashings from unpatriotic Nigerians, without thinking about the national interest and the image of NNPCL.”
The HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA through it’s President, COMRADE EMMANUEL FIAWEI PATHFINDER, also faulted the rising cases of attacks launched against the leadership of the NNPCL GCEO, Engr Mele Kyari, “Engr Mele Kyari do not deserve the attacks and allegations on daily basis by some Nigerians have made statements against the Company with the intention to bring the Nigerian brand into disrepute.”
” When they alleged that NNPCL was importing adulterated PMS, and that was proven unfounded lies targeted to malign Kyari-led NNPCL for no just reason. As the NNPCL spokesman, you quickly steeped in as the Chief Communications Officer of NNPCL, to clarify these allegations that all were false allegations to misinform Nigerians about the causes of fuel price increases and the quality of fuel distributed by NNPCL and the doused the tension”.
“It behooves us as HOSTCON YOUTH Council of Nigeria to call on our fellow Nigerians not to allow themselves to get involved in this pull-him-down syndrome, which does not speak well of our country, and particularly, the NNPCL and Engr Mele Kyari. Nigerians should not forgotten that this same Kyari was the only GCEO who opened the financial books of NNPCL to Nigerians and the international community to check the records, which has never happened in the history of the company since inception.”
” The GCEO’s dexterity has brought a lot of reforms to reposition Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, therefore, has boosted the image and reputation of the Company globally. Therefore, we unanimously throw our weight behind the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Oladapo Olufemi Soneye, for your patriotism and passion for Nigerians, especially this talent hunt you have initiated and graciously approved by the GCEO of NNPCL to promote innovations and creativity among young people.”
“Meanwhile, we want to appeal specially to the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to give youths in the creeks of the Niger Delta region priority in this talent hunt.”
“We are passionately making this demand because there many youths in the host communities in the Niger Delta region who are roaming around aimlessly and are being engaged by saboteurs to the nation’s oil and gas sector, but with this engagement with the talent haunt most of them will come up with amazing innovations and creativity, and will be disconnected from any nefarious activities.”
“We want to assure you that this talent haunt will be a success based on our network, structure and influence in all the communities in the Niger Delta region based on the caliber of our membership which include the traditional rulers, lawyers, lecturers, media professionals, captains of industries, youth leaders, and women leaders, and other eminent personalities.”
“We believe in your leadership and the amazing reforms since you assumed office as the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, we are confident that the laudable change have brought in the oil and gas sector, which we are witnesses of your impact on host communities, which had massively impacted the production output of oil in the history of the sector.”
“We also want to crave your indulgence on our request for the inclusion of youths from the host communities in the Niger Delta region, this will boost the current peace in the region and also increase oil and gas production.”
Prosperity Cup 2025: Agbere FC takes Idialu to the cleaners, as Ebedebiri FC, Igoni FC Keep tournament hopes alive
Agbere FC of Sagbama Local Government Area on Sunday recorded what has gone down as the highest number of goals scored by a team in the history of the prosperity cup.
Agbere FC were so ruthless in their 11 – 1 demolition of Idialu FC of Toru Orua.
The 2023 semi finalists produced what arguably ranks as season seven’s best performance to keep alive their aspirations of winning the competition for the first time.
In the second match of the day, Ebedebiri FC beat Odoni FC 3-2 through a penalty shootout after sharing the spoils in regulation time at the Sagbama Town centre.
At the Twon Brass Centre, Odio FC pipped Nimi Sam FC 1-0 to progress to the next round, with Lokobo’s 11th minute goal deciding the tie while Igoni FC pummeled Diema FC 5-0 in the second game decided at the same centre.
With Tina Turna’s brace in the first and 8 minutes, while Theophilus George, Ayebaekiepreye Itaribo, Ikionyo Emmanuel’s increased the tally seal the victory for Igoni FC and a ticket to the next round.
Earlier on Saturday at the Twon Brass Centre, Water Strikers FC humbled Agbalakoko FC by three goals to one to continue their smooth ride in the tournament, Okardi Ayebanaki and Tobin Matthew’s goals on 22 and 46 minutes qualified Kurotee FC to the next round with a win over Canaan FC.
Playing at the Ekeremor Town Centre Krusaders FC of Peretorugbene beat Isampou FC by a lone goal, Fini George’s early goal gave the former champions the win while Samba Boys triumphed 3-1 via spot kicks over Ayamasa FC, after the two teams had battled to a stalmate in regulation time
NAFDAC Uncovers Syndicate Scamming Foreign Firms With Fake Documents In Abia
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered a fraudulent syndicate that has been scamming foreign companies using fake NAFDAC documents.
The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this at a press conference held on Friday.
The prime suspect, Mr. Ikoro Ifendu, a native of Amamba Village, Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, was arrested on February 7, 2025, at Ogborn Hills, Aba, Abia State.
According to Adeyeye, Ifendu, who holds only an SSCE qualification and trades in clothing materials, had been impersonating NAFDAC officials to defraud foreign companies of substantial sums of money.
He allegedly orchestrated fraudulent schemes targeting companies across different countries, with Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, Abu Dhabi, UAE, being one of the victims.
While explaining how the syndicate operated, she said, “The fraudsters operated through a complex three-pronged scheme involving a buyer, a bank, and a lawyer. They would contact foreign companies seeking to import goods into Nigeria, then introduce them to a supposed bank for payment processing.
“The bank would claim that the goods required NAFDAC approval, after which the companies would be referred to a fraudulent lawyer who would collect payments in installments, issuing counterfeit NAFDAC certificates and receipts.
“Our investigation revealed that the group operates 15 domiciliary and five local accounts in seven Nigerian banks,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
“One of these accounts has a BVN linked to two key members of the syndicate, Ikoro Mang Ifendu and Rosemary Obosi. However, the full extent of their financial operations is yet to be determined, as some accounts and alert messages have been deleted.”
She said that over $950,000 had flowed into the fraudster’s Nigerian accounts, while $450,000 was traced to offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
“Even as we speak, unsuspecting victims are still depositing funds into these fraudulent accounts.
“Just before this press conference, we received an alert of $75,000 in one of the domiciliary accounts,” Adeyeye revealed.
Adeyeye maintained that the fraudster issued various forged documents, including: “A Certificate of Registration for dried fish (Seafood) with a fake NAFDAC Registration No. A2-7059, issued to Thani Almaeeni Trading Group in Abu Dhabi.
“Revenue receipts for fraudulent payments, including ₦6,687,000, ₦20,900,000, and ₦6,819,200 to different foreign firms. Fake processing requirement documents demanding $13,785, fraudulently signed in the name of a former NAFDAC Director-General who retired a year earlier.
“These fraudsters were highly sophisticated.
“They used forged letterheads, fake revenue receipts, and counterfeit NAFDAC certificates to make their scams appear legitimate,” Adeyeye stated.
She added that aside from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, other foreign companies that fell victim to the scam include Japan Long Tie (China) Co. Ltd., Jinan, China – for condom importation, Aquaforest SP, Brzesko, Poland – for registration of drinks and vegetable oil, Nomea Srl, Italy – for NAFDAC product registration, Tianyan Filter Cloth Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China, and Siam Canadian China Ltd., Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
Adeyeye reiterated that once NAFDAC concluded its investigation on the falsification of regulated products, the case would be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation.
“This case is beyond NAFDAC’s mandate. “We will hand it over to the EFCC to expand the investigation into other areas, including tracking assets illegally acquired through these fraudulent activities under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”
She noted that to prevent future scams, NAFDAC had restructured its Investigation and Enforcement Task Force, increasing the number of Investigating Police Officers and Mobile Police personnel.
“The Federal Task Force and State Task Forces will also be reconstituted to enhance enforcement efforts nationwide.
“I want to assure Nigerians that NAFDAC is taking this issue seriously.
“We have strengthened our investigation and enforcement activities to curb fraudsters who exploit innocent businesses,” she said.
She advised businesses against engaging with consulting firms that claimed to assist with product registration, saying companies should verify product registration directly via https://registration.nafdac.gov.ng/.
She said, “We urge the public to remain vigilant.
“Do not transact with individuals or companies that claim to facilitate NAFDAC registrations outside our official platform.”
Buhari’s Ex-ministers Lead APC Defection Train To SDP
There are strong indications that some former ministers of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari will move en masse to the Social Democratic Party.
A senator in the ninth Assembly, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said at least 10 former members of the Buhari cabinet were moving to the SDP.
“What they’re waiting for is the finalisation of the party structure in their respective states,” the source said.
Our correspondents gathered that leading Buhari’s loyalists in the defections are the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu; ex-Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.
El-Rufai makes first move
One of Buhari’s loyalists and former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday, defected to the SDP, citing a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation.
“I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the party’s capricious trajectory. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform to pursue the progressive values I cherish,” he said.
El-Rufai, who is a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, disclosed on Wednesday that he sought Buhari’s approval before leaving the APC.
“I left the APC with his (Buhari’s) full knowledge. I visited him on a Friday and informed him of my decision to leave the party because I involve and consult with him on all my matters.
“I have those I consult with in everything I do. I inform them of anything I intend to do, and when they demand that I keep off, I do. My first godfather is Muhammadu Buhari.
“For the rest, I will not mention them because if I do, they’ll be pressured,” El-Rufai told the BBC Hausa service in an interview.
CPC bloc to work against Tinubu
El-Rufai’s defection and Buhari’s purported approval opened a floodgate of defections as some other members of the APC in the North, especially those of CPC extraction, have also been dumping the party.
Buhari, El-Rufai, Malami, and Lawan were leaders of the Congress for Progress Change until the party joined the Action Congress of Nigeria, a part of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, and members of the New Peoples Democratic Party to form the APC in 2013.
The former Kaduna governor’s statement also revealed the long-talked-about coalition involving some aggrieved leaders of the APC.
Following El-Rufai’s defection, a chieftain of the APC, Ahmad Kaita, who is a former senator, and member of the House of Representatives from Katsina, also joined the SDP.
Kaita is also a former member of the CPC.
Similarly, former Kaduna State commissioners for Agriculture, Ibrahim Hussaini; Justice, Aisha Dikko; Health, Amina Baloni; and Education, Halima Lawal; as well as former Head of Service, Hajiya Bari’atu Mohammed, also dumped the APC for the SDP.
Also, the Campaign Secretary of the APC in Gombe State during the 2015 general elections, Adamu Modibbo, has left the party. Modibbo is now the chairman of the SDP in the state.
A former Publicity Secretary of the APC in Borno State, Abdulaziz Galadima, while confirming his defection to the SDP to our correspondent, said he left the party because it deviated from the principles and ideology on which it was founded.
Galadima also confirmed that many original CPC members would leave the APC for “SDP or another party.”
Other politicians leaving
Saturday PUNCH reached out to Malami for comments on the matter, but the SAN neither answered calls nor responded to messages sent to his mobile phone.
However, one of his closest aides confirmed his involvement in the coalition move.
The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “It is not about ousting Tinubu in 2027 but about our conviction that we have better and more credible constitutional alternatives to offer Nigerians in governance, particularly with regard to institutionalising a human-centred approach to governance.
“We collectively abhor the prevailing order in which governance is commercialised to the detriment of Nigerians and their welfare. It seems to be a marriage of tendencies that cut across the existing political parties with high-profile politicians from PDP, defunct CPC, ACN and APC among others.
“In personality sense, those involved across the geographical zones include serving and former governors and senators, former ministers, and past and present party officials.”
The highly credible source mentioned former governors of Rivers, Imo, Cross Rivers, Sokoto and Osun states, Rotimi Amaechi, Emeka Ihedioha, Liyel Imoke, Aminu Tambuwal and Rauf Aregbesola, respectively, as part of the stakeholders in the coalition movement.
A former Senate President, David Mark; ex-national chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; a former Buhari’s Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, and the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, among others, were also involved in the coalition.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, a chieftain of the APC in Imo State confirmed that the CPC extraction in the APC had concluded plans to leave the party for a coalition.
“That some ministers who served under Buhari are leaving or will leave the APC is confirmed. However, they may not join the SDP, but I know they are part of the coalition movement,” said the chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
According to him, no fewer than 10 ministers and many senators in the ninth National Assembly were leaving the APC.
He said, “President Tinubu has mismanaged the success of our party, and it is painful that things are going awry every day. APC bigwigs, both in the North and South, are not happy, and the President doesn’t care. You don’t grow by reducing in size. The APC is reducing in size.
“The CPC bloc of the party has also been leaving. You will agree with me that the CPC is a strong bloc in the APC, and if it is gone, I doubt if the APC will remain the same.
“Those leaving the APC are foundation members who have genuine followers. Apart from El-Rufai, other former governors are also involved in the political movement. These are not paperweight politicians.”
Similarly, a former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Lalong, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, said he was aware that many Nigerians, including former ministers, were involved in some political discussions.
Lalong, who left the APC for the SDP in 2022, said, “We are in discussions with many people across the country, including former ministers and senators. But because it is at the level of discussion, I will have to protect their identities.
“However, I can assure you that, from what is going on, a large number of the political class from across the political parties in Nigeria are coming together to have a common front.
“This problem Tinubu found himself in is self-inflicted. It is caused by his ego. He is an egoistic personality who sees himself as an emperor. He thinks he has conquered Nigeria. But I’m telling you that unless he changes his method of governance, we will soon know who Nigerians are.”
Lalong also accused President Tinubu of not treating Buhari fairly.
“The two of them aligned in 2014 to form the APC, which won the election. Buhari conceded the vice president to Tinubu and five other ministers, and he supported his presidential ambition.
“Currently, Tinubu cannot mention a single special adviser he considered for Buhari in his administration. The President is not treating Buhari fairly,” he added.
Aregbesola’s media adviser, Sola Fasure, declined to comment on the purported plan by the former Minister of Interior to join the SDP.
“We will talk about our political movement at the right time,” he said.
But one of Aregbesola’s loyalists, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said the former governor had been invited to join the SDP.
According to the insider, Aregbesola is part of a political movement involving some of his colleagues from the Buhari administration and other prominent politicians in the country.
He said, “I can’t confirm whether it is the SDP we are joining, but I know there is an ongoing political movement. Some ministers and former APC officials are involved.
“The movement is even bigger than any single political party. From my understanding, even if we join the SDP, the African Democratic Congress, or any other party, it will only serve as a structure. Eventually, all these smaller parties will collapse into a coalition in 2027. A coalition is the main game.”
Aregbesola’s group, Omoluabi Progressives, left the APC a few months ago, citing ostracism, suspension, and expulsion of members without fair hearing, as well as the perceived neglect and marginalisation of the group within the APC structure.
When contacted, Buhari’s media aide, Garba Shehu, said he would have to reach the former president before commenting on the reported defection plan of his ministers.
But Buhari has reiterated that he is a loyal member of the APC and would like to be addressed as such.
Ex-Gov Lamido Rejects El-Rufai’s Call To Join SDP
Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Sule Lamido, has dismissed a call by ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging opposition leaders to join the Social Democratic Party.
El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress to the SDP, made the call in an interview with BBC Hausa.
While he did not mention Lamido by name, he invited key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join him in the SDP.
Responding in a separate BBC Hausa interview on Sunday, Lamido dismissed the invitation as an insult, insisting that the PDP, which he helped build, laid the foundation for El-Rufai’s political career.
“The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai.
“You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP,” Lamido said.
He added, “He once said that there are no adults in Nigeria in politics, but now he is calling on us to join him in the SDP.”
The former governor also questioned El-Rufai’s motives for defecting from the APC to the SDP.
“He said he told President Buhari about his decision to leave the APC, but now he is saying that he is one of the adults in Nigerian politics,” Lamido stated.
The former governor argued that the PDP had not done anything to warrant his defection, emphasizing his long-standing loyalty.
“If I was going to leave the PDP, I would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed,” he said.
The former governor also criticised El-Rufai’s leadership style, saying that leadership is not about anger or selfish ambition.
“Leadership is done with patience and vision, and doing things for the peace of the followers and the country as a whole,” Lamido said.
Lamido advised El-Rufai to put patriotism first instead of showing anger towards others, saying, “What should be done is to put patriotism first, instead of showing anger towards someone.”
He added, “The PDP has been working to rebuild its strength after losing the 2015 presidential election.”
Criminals, Drug Addicts, Kidnappers Are Becoming Traditional Rulers — obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the selection processes of traditional rulers in the country, saying that criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers have infiltrated royal institutions.
The former president said the rapid proliferation of traditional rulers, many of whom lack the required training and moral standing, has led to the deterioration of traditional institutions in the country.
Obasanjo, who stated this in one of his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, which was unveiled last week, bemoaned the abandonment of the traditional training and apprenticeship system that once upheld the dignity of royal offices, stressing that this neglect has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
He said, “Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers.”
He noted that instead of being custodians of culture and justice, some traditional rulers have engaged in disgraceful acts that further damage the country’s fragile system.
He cited the example of a monarch involved in electoral malpractice.
“This is a great pity, and it has greatly contributed to the problems of Nigeria by traditional rulers. How do we account for a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box at an election polling station and running away with it?” he queried.
Obasanjo reflected on the past, when traditional rulers commanded honor and respect, particularly during the colonial and early post-independence periods, saying that such standards have now been lost.
“The class of traditional rulers with their distinction, honour and dignity, as we knew them in the colonial days and early post-independence days, has been diluted and polluted.”
While calling for urgent reforms, the former president stressed the need to restore traditional leadership’s lost dignity and value in Nigeria.
He argued that traditional rulers should serve as key contributors to national development instead of being a burden.
“That dignity, aura and respect should be brought back and traditional rulers should be an asset to Nigeria’s development and greatness and not a liability,” he declared.
Obasanjo further emphasized the need for moral rejuvenation among traditional rulers, particularly those with deep historical significance.
He insisted that if properly repositioned, they could be crucial in achieving Nigeria’s long-term aspirations.
“There is a need for moral re-armament among the traditional rulers — the ancient and historic ones. And they can and should make meaningful contributions to the Nigeria of our dreams that will serve the purpose and interest of all.”
Igali advocates for inclusion of Traditional Wrestling ‘Kuwa’ and Canoeing in Ogun National Sports Festival
…Receives Bayelsa Athletes who represented Nigeria at the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament, Abuja.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali, has called on the National Sports Commission and the Main Organising Committee of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State to include traditional wrestling known as “Kuwa” and Canoeing as part of the events for the festival.
Honourable Daniel Igali made the call when he received Bayelsa athletes who represented Nigeria at the recently-concluded 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja which was part of activities lined up to celebrate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
Honourable Igali commended the Bayelsa athletes for yet again, making the country proud after Ebi Biogos 76K and Ebipadei Mughabofa 66K won gold each for Team Nigeria while combining with their teammates to win two silver medals in team events.
Igali, who heaped praises on Nigeria’s abundant talents in every sport called on the National Sports Commission being led by proven sports administrators, Shehu Dikko
and Bukola Olopade to consider including traditional wrestling and canoeing in the events to be competed for, at the Sports Festival coming up in Ogun State.
According to Igali, traditional wrestling is one of the local sports in the country and Africa that connects our cultural heritage. Thus, it deserves to be part of the events for the Nigerian version of the Olympic Games.
Also, the world and Olympic wrestling champion expressed shock at canoeing being excluded from the festival despite successively qualifying for the last two editions of the Olympics.
He described canoeing as one of the potential sports that can win Nigeria medals at the Olympics if properly encouraged and invested in.
While formally receiving the athletes Igali said “On behalf of the Bayelsa State Government, I receive you all with pride, celebrating what you have done. This shows clearly the focus of sports development in Bayelsa.”
“Arising from that, it is a bit of an irony that Nigeria has hosted the whole of West Africa in traditional wrestling, and we don’t have it at the next sports festival in Ogun State. My appeal to the National Sports Commission is that this is one cultural event that is relatable to virtually every culture and tribe in Nigeria,” Igali said.
“Let me also use this opportunity to mention another sport canoeing, this is one sport that Nigeria has a good opportunity to win a medal at the next Olympics if we plan very early. Over the pa8st Olympics, it has qualified athletes who have done very well and need to be encouraged by harnessing its potentials” Igali maintained.
Igali concluded by appreciating the Bayelsa State Government led by Senator Douye Diri for massively encouraging sports development through approval of funds to execute its programmes.
Meanwhile, the Director of Sports Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, who is the overseer and direct principal of the wrestlers, applauded them for representing the state and being good ambassadors of the Ijaw Nation.
Braveman noted that their triumph speaks volumes of the developmental policies of the Prosperity administration of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Prosperity Cup 2025: Sangana FC Edge Out Mini City FC, Action Switches to Twon-Brass
Sangana FC have moved into the next phase of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the “Prosperity Cup”.
In a keenly contested encounter at the Sangana center in Brass Local Government Area, Sangana FC beat Mini City FC 2-1 to secure a place in the next round of the competition.
Kingsley Inuwei drew first blood for the determined Sangana side on 42 minutes, to take put them 1-nil ahead into the half time break.
Mini City FC drew level on 76 minutes through Owei Igamstar’s close range effort, even as the Mini City side continued to mount pressure on Sangana FC who remained impregnable at the back.
When it seemed the encounter was heading into penalty kicks, Sangana FC nicked in the decider through George Daddy’s 87th minute effort to secure their ticket into the next round of the competition.
The Seasiders had earlier pipped Williams FC by a lone goal, with Sukuwei Isaiah’s 86th minute strike, while Mini City defeated Ogide X United by a similar goal margin to set up the tie with the resilient Sangana side.
In the game decided at Twon Brass center today, Water Strikers FC pummeled New Saints FC 6-0 with Lucky Baratuapre scoring the first hattrick of the tournament on 4,8 and 10 minute while Location FC humbled Canaan FC 3-1 in the last game at Twon Brass center.
Okoroba FC at Nembe Center edged out Ultimate Lakers FC 2-0 with Jeremiah Odedia’s brace on 60 and 80 minutes to ensure that the Okoroba FC advance to the next round while Nembe City in the second game spanked Fisherman Sons FC 2-0 to also progress to the next round of the competition with Ayebatari Abraham and Ayebaeriworio Kingsley scoring both goals.
In Thursday’s fixtures, Agbor FC will entertain Nim Sam FC by 1.00pm, with Bright Light FC and Odio FC will be doing battle at 3.00pm.
Still at the Twon-Brass centre, Igoni FC and Egweama FC will confront each other by 3.00pm.
Teams from Ekeremor and Sagbama local government areas will take to the pitch this coming weekend in continuation of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle.